Written by Shayna Abramson. For more work by Shayna, check out Kiruv.
Do you remember that night when I felt your breasts for the first time? They were round and soft, except for your hard nipples, which fit perfectly into the space in between my forefinger and my thumb. I wanted to nibble, but the store-owner was giving us a funny look, and you giggled when I pushed you up against the beer cans. I could feel my groin on yours, and we started grinding.
I had never understood why the rabbis considered collar-bones erotic, until I kissed yours. But then again, I had never understood the laws of yichud until I tried having a platonic sleepover with a friend I was sexually attracted to. Lesson learned: The chances of the sleepover remaining platonic are pretty slim if the lights aren’t off yet and he’s already kissed your breasts.
I never thought I would feel the breasts of another woman – not because it was forbidden (spending the night with men isn’t exactly lauded by the rabbis), but because it just never appealed to me – until I met you. You had hair blacker than a raven’s wings – yes, I know that’s cliche – and when you tossed it, you moved your neck in a certain way that made me just want to kiss you. It was like Zionism: I couldn’t explain it.
That night, after we had grinded up against the beer aisle, I bought you some wine, and you took me up to your apartment. You lived on the top floor of a walk-up, and the staircase lights weren’t working, so we reached to steady each other in the dark. There they were, your breasts again, my fingers feeling for your nipples beneath the cotton of your shirt. “You really should buy a jacket.” You laughed. “I liked being cold”, you said.
Your apartment was dark; I could barely see the outline of the chanukiah you had by your window, the shades drawn up slightly, so that those on the street would see the testament to God’s miracles. It was the fourth night – exactly halfway through the festival. Jerusalem had started preparing for it a month earlier, when bakeries started selling jelly donuts in the streets. I was a little nervous that with all of my Chanukah donut-pre-gaming, I might have developed a set of love-handles.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Where to put the wine.”
“Give it to me and take your coat off.”
Celebrating 10 Years & Marking the End of An Amazing Project
Celebrating 10 Years & Marking the End of An Amazing Project
While many people fear the “sex talk,” Jewrotica offers an opportunity for writers and audiences to speak about sexuality in a open and safe space. When I attended a Jewrotica reading, I heard stories that reminded me that love takes many forms, and that expressing it is a vital part of who we are as a people.
Such an amazing experience! The Sarah Lawrence Jewrotica workshop was more than I could have ever expected – a comfortable, safe, sultry environment where participants clearly felt good about sharing or listening to each other’s intimate experiences and relating them to sexy stories from the Torah. From the moment the workshop began, Ayo had a sweet presence that was kinetic and spread around the room; her storytelling abilities had everyone enraptured and made the conversation topics relata… Read more
I stepped out of my comfort zone to be a part of this. I was glad to open up the topic of sexuality in my community. We are trying to build a safe space to talk about sex. The result I am most happy about coming from this event is that hopefully now my friends know they can come and talk to me, that I can be their ‘safe space’.
You may not tell your mom that you’re going to a live Jewrotica reading (or whatever clever name you will dub these events) but you will tell your friends. However, both would be jealous if they find out that they missed it. I think it will only be a matter of time before Jewrotica helps us reclaim the term “Dirty Jew” the way rap music has done for “The ‘N’ Word.” I know I am now proud to be a Dirty Jew!
Jewrotica is awesome. It expands the mind and for people who were raised with narrow views on sexuality. Whether you are Jewish or not, or in different sects of Judaism like Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, no matter what your background or where you’re from, Jewrotica gets you to see Judaism and how it relates to sexuality in new ways. I really appreciate Ayo being here and helping us learn different ways to connect with our sexuality.
Jewrotica is inspiring Jews and erotica with holiness and coolness, and is the pride of progressive Judaism. Jewrotica – awesome!
My opinion on Jewrotica is: It’s sexy. It’s awesome. It’s Judaism to the next level. It’s what we should all be getting into!
I love the inclusiveness – there is something for everyone, in and out of the Jewish community.
The people behind Jewrotica are quite quality! I have confidence that any project these folks take on will be equally quality.
Jewrotica is a great way to ask interesting questions about the interplay between sensuality and Jewish wisdom. Check it out.
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